Afghanistan, which is largely based upon cereals like wheat, maize, barley and rice except with the addition of large South Asian influence. Accompanying these staples are dairy products (yoghurt, whey), various nuts, native vegetables, and fresh and dried fruits.
The cuisine of Afghanistan is unique. Afghan food is one of the top favorites of Central Asia, with its distinct aroma, taste, and look. One can define this cuisine based on many staples such as the rice dishes (kabuli pulao - rice with chopped and fried carrots and raisins), dough dishes (Ashak and Mantu - dumplings), and its fresh breads. Afghanistan has a wide varying terrain allowing for many different crops. Afghan cuisine is largely based upon the nation's chief crops: cereals like wheat, maize, barley and rice. Accompanying these staples are dairy products (yogurt, whey), various nuts, and native vegetables, and fresh and dried fruits; Afghanistan is well known for its grapes. Afghanistan's culinary specialties reflect its ethnic and geographic diversity and has similarities with neighboring Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.